The escalating war in the Middle East is shattering the lives of women and children across the region, with pregnant women and new mothers among the most vulnerable and people displaced and cut off from lifesaving health and protection services and supplies.
The impact of the conflict radiates far beyond the region, with the disruption of critical maritime routes and airspace closures delaying the delivery of lifesaving equipment to many countries. Among the delayed items are mobile maternity hospitals; life-saving equipment to support safe deliveries; and supplies to support survivors of sexual violence. These commodities are intended for some of the most vulnerable people around the world.
In addition, at a time when needs are rising and humanitarian funding is falling short, costs for shipping and air freight have spiked, making it much more expensive for UNFPA to reach women in need.
UNFPA is keeping aid moving, working with partners to find alternative logistics solutions and tapping into strategic stockpiles in other locations. Our teams are deploying mobile clinics to bring integrated health and protection services to displaced women, distributing dignity kits containing essential hygiene supplies for women and girls, and working to keep safe spaces for them operational wherever possible. Our priorities are clear: even in the midst of a crisis, every woman must be able to give birth safely and every woman and girl must be protected from violence.
I echo the Secretary-General’s urgent call for diplomacy to prevail. All civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel, as well as health facilities, must be protected in full respect of international humanitarian law. I call on all parties to step back from the brink and end the hostilities and for life-saving supplies and support to reach those in desperate need.
